Patriotism takes conviction. Patriotism keeps 

its eyes wide open, its ear to the ground.
Patriotism is loud when people disappear. 
 
Patriotism takes passion. Patriotism pays 
union dues and eats a few less eggs a week
cause they’re no longer in budget. 
 
Patriotism takes pride in the people,
not a cowardly government. Patriotism takes power
back from robber barrons because it remembers
a boycott is forever. Patriotism practices peaceful protest. 
 
Patriotism is an inevitable riot against a mad king. 
Patriotism doesn’t always wear a certain boot,
doesn’t always speak through a bullhorn,
and may have never marched or felt the hose
or told the reporter that tear gas tastes like fascism. 
 
Patriotism is willing to see when we’re 
the enemy in someone’s storyline-
and when we’re becoming compliant
to the villians in our own.